Ukraine’s top diplomat has issued a compelling plea to the European Union, urging it to leverage its influence to persuade the United States to lift restrictions on the use of long-range missiles. This request comes as Ukraine seeks to strike deeper into Russian territory to target critical military assets.
Ukraine’s Diplomatic Appeal for Expanded Missile Use
- Call for Action: Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, made a powerful appeal in Brussels during an informal meeting of the EU’s foreign ministers. He stressed the need for the EU to play a crucial role in convincing the US to permit Ukraine to use Western long-range missiles against deeper Russian targets.
- Strategic Request: Kuleba emphasised that lifting the restrictions on missile use is essential for Ukraine to effectively hit all legitimate military targets in Russia. He noted that while the decision primarily rests with the US and the UK, France’s involvement is also significant as part of the EU.
Current Restrictions and Their Impact
- Existing Permissions: Earlier this year, Ukraine was granted permission to strike Russian military targets near the Ukrainian border following Russian attacks on civilian areas. However, the range of these strikes remains limited due to ongoing restrictions.
- US Hesitation: The US has been cautious about allowing Ukraine to strike further into Russia, concerned about potential escalations and Moscow’s reaction. Despite pressures, Washington has yet to lift these restrictions fully.
European Union’s Position and Response
- EU’s Role: Josep Borrell, the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, echoed Kuleba’s call, asserting that the West must fully utilise the weaponry provided to Ukraine. Borrell highlighted that without lifting these restrictions, the Western military support risks becoming ineffective.
- Strategic Consequences: Borrell’s comments underline the critical need for unrestricted use of military resources to ensure Ukraine can defend itself effectively against ongoing aggression.
Upcoming US Talks
- Key Delegates: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov are scheduled to meet with senior US officials later this week. They plan to present a detailed list of potential military targets within Russia to underscore the strategic benefits of lifting the missile restrictions.
- Diplomatic Efforts: This visit is a crucial diplomatic effort to demonstrate the necessity and potential effectiveness of deeper strikes, aiming to persuade US decision-makers to reassess their current stance.
Recent Developments in the Conflict
- Ongoing Attacks: Russia has intensified its aerial assaults on Ukraine, with the latest attack involving nearly 80 drones and missiles. The Ukrainian air force managed to intercept 79% of these projectiles, including 15 drones aimed at Kyiv.
- Cost of Aggression: Forbes Ukraine reported that Russia’s first major aerial assault of the week cost approximately $1.3 billion (£983 million), marking it as the most expensive attack since the conflict began. This escalation highlights the severity of the ongoing conflict and the increasing costs of warfare.
International Reactions and Statements
- UK’s Perspective: James Kariuki, the UK representative to the United Nations, described Russia’s aerial attacks as “cowardly” and indicative of a deliberate strategy to target civilian infrastructure. This view aligns with broader international condemnation of Russia’s aggressive tactics.
- Effectiveness of Strikes: Despite earlier approvals for defensive strikes, Russia’s strategic repositioning of military assets has reduced the effectiveness of current Western missile support. This situation underscores the urgent need for expanded capabilities.
Looking Ahead
- Strategic Decisions: The decision to lift restrictions on long-range missile use will significantly impact the dynamics of the conflict. If granted, it could enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike critical Russian targets and potentially shift the balance of power.
- Continued Diplomacy: Ukraine’s efforts to gain support from its Western allies reflect the ongoing diplomatic and strategic challenges in the conflict. The outcome of upcoming talks with US officials will be pivotal in determining the future course of military support.
Conclusion
Ukraine’s appeal to the West for expanded missile use reflects a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The request for deeper strikes into Russian territory highlights the strategic complexities of modern warfare and the pivotal role of international support in shaping the outcome. As diplomatic efforts continue, the effectiveness of Western military aid remains a key factor in Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
